Explosion burns two on Pennsylvania jobsite

Two construction workers have been hospitalized in Pittsburgh after suffering burns Monday in what a mining company official called a small explosion near the town of Creekside. They were working about 35 feet above the ground on a water tank at a mine and using a cutting torch to cut into and add a pipe to the tank, when something exploded atop the tank, according to a company official. Indiana Gazette

Worker killed, another injured at Iowa wind power plant

Company officials at a wind power plant in Newton, Iowa confirmed Monday that one employee died, and another was seriously injured in an incident at the facility over the weekend. IOSH reportedly is investigating. KCCI (Des Moines) [with video]

Risks of lead exposure and what to do about them

Officials in Newark, New Jersey have been distributing water to thousands of residents and working to replace lead service lines after initial tests showed unsafe levels of the metal. But some residents and other communities continue to have questions about the presence of lead in their homes and drinking water, its impact on their families, and what they can do to protect them. NJ Spotlight

Fed-OSHA fines retailer $154K for lack of sanitation

Fed-OSHA has fined a Rhode Island-based retailer more than $154,000 for failing to keep work areas in a New Hampshire store free of vermin feces and urine, and institute a continuing and effective extermination program. The agency says it cited the company for the same hazards in March. New Hampshire Union Leader

New respirator fit-testing protocols issued

Fed-OSHA has issued a final rule that provides employers with two new fit testing protocols for ensuring that employees’ respirators fit properly. The rule does not, however, not require employers in general industries, shipyards and construction to update or replace current methods. The rule becomes effective September 26, 2019. For Construction Pros

Western New York contractor fined for asbestos violations

Fed-OSHA has a Jamestown, New York contractor for improper asbestos removal and disposal and fined him nearly $169,000. A company that reportedly hired the contractor to remove asbestos from piping was fined $12,000 for failing to determine the presence, location and quantity of asbestos-containing materials; develop and implement. Post-Journal (Jamestown, N.Y.)